The official CRP platform, which can be found at www.cagop.org/pdf/platform.pdf, outlines several key areas that are in direct conflict with the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency's practice. I have been highlighting these areas and articulating how they conflict with the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency so that Republicans who have supported Redevelopment Agency efforts will realize the incompatibility between the Party and the Agency.
Today, I'm focusing on the CRP's topic, regarding taxes and government spending. First, let's see what the CRP has to say on the subject.
The Fullerton Redevelopment Agency has enjoyed spending freely through the issuance of bonds. There has been no 2/3 majority of voter approval, not even 50+1%. In fact, the matter was never brought before the voters. The City Council members acting as the politic body of the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency has been quite content to spend the current tax increment along with future revenues. All the while, streets all over town are neglected, water pipes are leaking, and the overall infrastructure lies nearly ruined.
TAXES AND GOVERNMENT SPENDING
The California Republican Party is the party of balanced budgets, limited government, and fiscal responsibility.
We stand for the wise stewardship and responsible use of the people’s money. We support without exception and without apology a two-thirds vote requirement for the passage of tax increases, tax increases labeled as fees, bonds, and the state budget. We call for a constitutional ban on any bonded indebtedness to cover general operating deficits.
The FY2010-2011 budget estimates that the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency will receive about $18,000,000 in property tax increment (the difference in the regular property tax assessment and the new assessment under redevelopment). Add that $18,000,000 back annually to the general fund and we will be able to begin restoration of our infrastructure. Thanks to the indebtedness brought on by overly zealous bond issuance, we must first pay off our creditors before we can begin to use all $18,000,000.
Let us also not forget that when the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency declares blight and evicts hundreds of families, a new problem emerges. All of the surrounding businesses which were once quite vibrant with the area's residents are transformed overnight into empty stores of despair. No sales take place, therefore no sales tax is collected. Where there was once a tax revenue source for the general fund, a void of hopelessness is created.
Government is not equipped to participate, and should not compete, in the free market. Wherever the public’s money can be saved and the level of service increased, we call for the privatizing of services now delivered by government.
Let private developers funded through private sources recognize the opportunities that exist in our City.
Next week I will tell you what the Fullerton Redevelopment Agency does well and why we should implement this mystery policy for the City of Fullerton.
